Formation

“ To be respectful and love for one another”-captures the insight of one of the youth participant in the recently concluded Kolping Camp and Congress held on May 12-14, 2017 at the Pelham Farm, San Antonio, Tigaon, Camarines Sur.

This year’s theme is a quote from Fr. Adolph Kolping that says” A true Christian love, a Christian heart has the capacity to heal the world”. Interactive discussions on the Church and Prayer, Kolping’s Life, Role of the Youth in Nation Building and Promoting the Human Dignity became the highlight of the 3-day Camp. A total of sixty five youth from across the Bicol region actively participated. Farthest delegates were from Catanduanes, Legazpi, Libmanan and mostly from Partido, Rinconada, Central and Bay areas.

Youth participants appreciated more their prayer life as they experienced quality time for silence and reflection during the Taize Prayer and A Night with Our Lady of Fatima as the second day of the camp coincides with the 100 years of her apparition in Portugal. They also improved their communication and leadership skills as various indoor and outdoor activities were conducted. The newly elected National Youth Officers were inspired by the life of Blessed Adolph Kolping and took their oath of commitment with Fr. Fidel Mamerto Bagayaua as the Inducting Officer and the Youth Adviser. Their heart is on fire to be of service to God, church and community as what Fr. Kolping did

Moreover, it was a great learning experience for the youth since they were the ones in charge of their own food preparation from budgeting, marketing and cooking for three days. They do all the chores, from quenching water, washing their clothes and housekeeping. It is totally learning by doing.

Furthermore, the youth realized their special role in changing the world differently in their own little way. They greatly appreciate the value of oneness amidst differences among them and believed that they can do better things together with the support of the adult members of the Kolping Family, Praesides and the continuous inspiration of the great social reformer, Fr. Adolph Kolping.